A violinist in the subway
Vera took the subway to avoid Florian Fiser following her. Not that he would have done it, but one is never too careful.
She didn't know why he was so interested in them. Maybe, he was just investigating on his own or for his boss, to ensure she or Sara weren't dangerous, lying, con artists? She didn't care too much in the end. She was going to finish that mission soon enough, so she could take the chance to visit Vienna at night.
She changed trains a few times, mainly randomly, and ended up in a desert station. It was so strange to see so few people. Vienna was a crowded city, and its subway was one of the main means of transportation for residents and tourists.
She read Stubentor while getting off. The U-Bahn, as the Viennese called the subway, would close at midnight, so Vera had to decide where to go and how to return to the hotel.
Just when she stepped out, however, her thoughts strayed away when she heard the sound of a violin. A street artist was near the exit; he was attempting a few notes before starting a melody. It felt foreign and familiar at the same time, and it took Vera a while to realise it was similar to the melody that that man played in Paris.
However, it was not him. What was the chance of someone like him being in the underground? He didn't look as peasant as taking public transport.
Still, Vera followed the sound. She had never thought she would like the violin so much. Or, rather, had that man left such an impression on her that she started liking it all of a sudden?
Regardless of how many times she had told herself to forget, that night would return in her thoughts when she expected it the least.
She stopped in front of the player, looking for coins in her pockets so as not to look awkward.
She had done it for the second time in a row! There was something wrong with her; following a melody isn't what rational people do.
Still, that sound... It was not the same. Neven's touch sounded different.
But the energy surrounding the man was similar. Not exactly the same, just like his melody. She blinked a couple of times, switching between the real world and that of auras.
Golden aura; blonde hair hidden under a hat. He did remind her of Neven. But his height was different; his shoulders weren't as broad, even if he did look fit. He was wearing a mask and a hat as if to hide his face, but no one was looking at him. It was as if people couldn't see him at all.
The few walkers in the station would turn to him, for resisting that melody was difficult, but their frenetic life would drive them away soon enough. Someone would leave some money, and that was where it ended.
He was not Neven, but... They were the same creature, weren't they? Charismatic, handsome - even with a mask - and powerful enough to enlighten darkness with their presence.
He noticed Vera and stopped playing. He moved the mask down, revealing his lips and face.
«Hello,» he said.
At the sound of his voice, Vera vibrated like the strings of his violin.
«Hello,» she replied.
It had started like that with Neven, as well, but she couldn't do the same thing twice. Sara would notice, for sure, and she would end up in trouble.
Moreover, even though the charisma he breathed was inebriating her, she didn't feel just as attracted. Neven was something else; she couldn't help but think so.
«Your song is very nice,» she said. «Would you like a drink?»
The man smiled, not really surprised by her assertiveness. He must have been used to women throwing themselves at him. He was not much different from the other blonde, handsome man she had met.
But she didn't want to have a one-night stand. She wasn't in the mood, maybe because of the events regarding the second contract.
«Why not? I'd like it very much!» he said, putting the violin away and the mask back on his face.
For some reason, he didn't want to walk around with his face bare. Maybe because everyone would turn to stare. Or maybe because he had something to hide.
«What are you doing in Vienna?» Vera asked.
«I live here... I mean, I travel a lot, but this is where I consider myself at home. And you?»
«I'm here for work,» she said. And the similarity of their conversation to another one she had a few days prior made her shiver.
Something deep inside her kept her aware. He was charming, driving every gaze on him. But his power was not as strong as to conquer a powerful witch as Vera was.
So, Neven Darga was not just a supernatural being, but he was powerful among his peers.
«My name is Ognyen, but my friends call me Ogi.»
«Nice to meet you, Ogi. My name is Julie,» she said.
She didn't feel guilty for lying, and she didn't feel as if she had sinned - as it happened with Neven. Likely, the second time it was easier.
«Where would you like to have a drink, Fräulein Julie?»
«Anywhere is fine,» she chuckled.
They were talking in English even though they were in Austria. Something made him realise she was a tourist, and he had started in English. But he would call her Fräulein, which made her laugh.
«I know a place near here. It's a few minutes of walking, but the weather is fresh outside.»
«Where I live, it's forty degrees now. It's killing humid, so anything below thirty degrees is okay. I love how fresh it is here, by the way.»
«The nights get chilly.»
«I know! That's why I decided to take a walk.»
«Well, let's find a cafe... The street behind that corner is Schönlaterngasse. There are a few bars on that road...»